What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

He was engaged to be married, but his bride-to-be was drowned the night before the wedding. This was a contributing factor to him moving to Canada in 1844 (1846?). There, some time later, he was again engaged to be married, but the young lady died after a short illness just before the wedding date.

Reportedly, he received word that his mother was ill in Ireland. He could not go see her but he could write her a poem. Thankfully, he retained a copy of it and we know it today as the beloved hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

As a member of the Plymouth Brethren, Scriven devoted much time to humanitarian service without remuneration. In later years he suffered physically and financially, with some deep depression. He died 8/10/1886 and is buried near Port Hope, Ontario, Canada.